Two University of Houston Cougars named 2024 OTC Emerging Leaders

The Offshore Technology Conference recognizes two University of Houston Cougars, an alumnus and a faculty member, among the conference’s 2024 Emerging Leaders. They are part of an esteemed group of 11 individuals who deserve a spot on the 2024 roster.

The recipients are:

• Jian (Jason) Shi, Ph.D., is an assistant professor with a dual appointment in the Department of Engineering Technology and Electrical and Computer Engineering in the Cullen College of Engineering at the University of Houston. He is also the director and founder of SOAR or the Smart and ZerO-Carbon Energy Analytics and Research Lab at UH.
• Mejdi Kammoun is a senior engineer at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). He received a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from UH in 2016. At ABS, his primary responsibility is developing regulations and requirements to ensure the safe implementation of energy storage and generation systems for maritime and offshore transportation contexts.

The OTC Emerging Leaders program selects young professionals with less than 10 years of experience in the offshore energy sector who demonstrate exceptional talent, commitment and promise as future leaders, according to a release press release from the OTC.

Safety and sustainability are important issues for both beneficiaries.

The drive to decarbonize the U.S. energy sector is driving transformative changes in the offshore and maritime sector. These changes may introduce new safety and health risks that must be identified and addressed to protect workers in the sector.

“My aspirations have always been centered on contributing to a safer and greener world. Whether through innovative technologies, sustainable practices or political advocacy, my dream remains steadfast: to leave a lasting positive impact on our planet,” said Kammoun.

Kammoun made important contributions to the comprehensive update of the “ABS Requirements for Fuel Cell Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications” and the “ABS Requirements for the Use of Lithium-Ion Batteries in marine and offshore industries.

Shi’s general research interests include deep decarbonization of multi-energy power grids, maritime electrification and decarbonization, energy justice and equity, community energy systems, and smart grid cybersecurity.

Its work involving ship technologies is part of the global drive for sustainable shipping and contributes to reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impacts associated with offshore energy operations. Additionally, Shi’s research addressed a critical safety issue in the maritime domain: vessel navigation around offshore energy facilities in unpredictable weather conditions.

“My research focuses on emerging safety challenges associated with the energy transition in the offshore environment that require immediate attention to avoid spikes in injury rates and risks in the future,” Shi said.

Shi’s journey began with curiosity.

“As a child, I found solace in the fantastical realms of science fiction, which evolved into a deep-rooted curiosity about the intersection of technology and society, shaping my understanding of innovation and pushing me to exploring renewable energy solutions with the same wonder and enthusiasm,” he said.

He hopes his work will help share a future “where our world is powered by an abundance of innovative energy sources, where technology coexists harmoniously with nature, and where humanity embarks on daring adventures into uncharted territory.”

Kammoun credits UH and Haleh Ardebili, Kamel Salama Professor of Mechanical Engineering and assistant vice president for Entrepreneurship and Startup Ecosystem at UH, for supporting its growth and offering some advice to students:

“Establishing a solid foundation through an in-depth understanding of fundamental topics such as electrical theory, electromagnetics and solid-state electronics is essential for success in your electrical engineering studies,” he said.

Shi also shared some tips: “Learn, experiment, connect and innovate! »

This year’s cohort of emerging leaders will be recognized in a special ceremony at the conference on Tuesday, May 7.